Session 66
Date: 2024-09-28
Ember, dealing with news of an attack on their ship, tries to find a way back, while Dax explores alternate paths through Aqol’s magical paintings. Sirius reveals a dark secret about his past involving family betrayal, and Orianna tries to reconcile her emotions while reaching out to her estranged father. Aydriann learns of a dire prophecy from the mysterious Jaz, which leaves him facing a harrowing decision.
Ember’s Night
The scent of ale and spirits clung thick to the air, like a bitter fog that seeped into the walls of The Curious Dragon. The tavern pulsed with life - laughter, clinking mugs, and voices layered on top of one another, creating a steady hum that seemed to shake the very wooden beams of the ceiling. The crowd was young, mostly students from Kaicrumao’s various Houses, their faces still unweathered by time, eyes gleaming with the excitement of the night.
Ember sat alone at the bar, which is exactly how she wanted it. She nursed a drink slowly, letting the sounds of the tavern wash over her like distant waves. She wasn’t here for conversation, and her mood made that clear. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop a young Daemonoch from approaching.
He came up to her with two tall glasses of ale, his dark, nearly obsidian skin catching the low light. There was a faint purple hue that clung to him, like dusk woven into his very being. Two twisted horns jutted from his forehead, blackened with streaks of red that looked like veins of fire. His golden eyes, softly glowing, met Ember’s, though she made no effort to return his gaze. Clad in a long dark coat fastened with brass buckles, he moved with deliberate grace. Too deliberate.
“I couldn’t help but notice you’re alone,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of someone trying to appear nonchalant but failing. “Mind if I join you?”
Ember didn’t even glance at him, staring instead at her drink. “No. You can go.”
From across the tavern, a loud eruption of laughter broke the moment. A group of young wizards, likely friends of his, burst into jeers, calling him out for being rejected. The Daemonoch stiffened, clearly embarrassed. He adjusted his coat, the fabric rustling under the pressure of his nervous hands.
“My name’s Izzeldeen,” he said, trying again, more subdued now. “Look, if you don’t want company, that’s fine. But you can have these drinks. No strings attached.”
Ember remained stone-faced. “No, thanks.”
Before he could turn to leave, Ember noticed something - scars, jagged and raw, trailing up his arms. They weren’t the kind of scars you got from battle or an accident. These were the unmistakable marks of Malice magic.
Before he could walk away, Ember reached out and grabbed his wrist. “Wait,” she said, her voice flat but commanding. “On second thought, sit. Tell me how you got those.”
Izzeldeen sat, swallowing hard. “These? Oh, uh… these scars are from Malice magic. It was a class at the Umbra Grove. A healing spell gone wrong. Wrong flower component. The Malice turned on me.”
Ember’s eyes narrowed. “You used Malice… for healing?”
He nodded. “I dropped the class after that. I’m House of Inspire, not Darkbloom. I’m more into art and language.”
Ember finally nodded. “Thanks. Leave the drinks.”
Izzeldeen left with a small smile, returning to the jeering group, now quiet with unease. Ember watched him go, her thoughts spinning. Malice magic in Darkbloom… something wasn’t right.
Dax meets Professor Kenajin
The night took on a different hue within Kaicrumao’s grounds. Magical lanterns lined the paths, their glow casting long shadows that danced across the cobblestones. Dax and Aqol walked side by side toward the House of Darkbloom, hoping to meet Headmaster Dorumon.
Aqol bristled as they entered Darkbloom’s territory. The animated plants and creeping vines always made him uneasy.
They were stopped by Professor Kenajin, tall and clad in black, her eyes sharp.
“Why are you out this late?” she demanded.
Aqol cleared his throat. “We’re looking for Dorumon.”
“He won’t return for ten days.” Her gaze shifted to Dax. “A dark entity from the Dark World. Interesting.”
Curfew neared, and she dismissed them with cold authority.
As they returned to Aetherheart Commons, Aqol apologized, offering to take Dax to The Curious Dragon. Once alone, Dax shifted his form into that of an elderly woman and entered the tavern, effortlessly lifting a coin purse from a careless patron.
Then he spotted Ember.
The Etherian
Dax was heavily drunk, laughter booming across the tavern. Ember, sighing, coaxed him to the Etherian, where a small elemental escorted them to their rooms.
After settling Dax, Ember cast a Sending spell to Preslynn.
“Preslynn, I miss you. I wanted to hear your voice and make sure you’re okay.”
Preslynn’s reply chilled her: the Valiant had been attacked.
Unable to sleep, Ember noticed Dax staring blankly into an unusual mirror, drooling, entranced.
A cursed mirror. Another problem.
Sirius’ Dark Secret
As dawn broke, Sirius and Orianna visited Peach. Aydriann excused himself, and Sirius began his confession.
He revealed he had arranged the meeting that led to the murder of their grandfathers. He confessed to seeking Malice magic from Edmeera. Father had killed their grandparents under Edmeera’s orders, as they investigated Icarus.
He fled afterward, joining the Eldon Order to delay Edmeera and research Sol. But she cornered him in Icesyn and demanded he kill Ember.
His voice broke: “I failed at everything.”
Orianna left in shock, heading to the conservatory. Satyr Melira offered her a place to write.
“Hello Father,
I’m sorry. I know I’m not worthy of your attention. I’m sorry you have to even read these words I’m sending you, especially since I left with a lie. In a way, I was seeking knowledge to help the family. But not in a way I think you would have liked. I pray that I can be forgiven but I don’t think I regret my actions. I remember hating myself when I first left, there were so many times I almost went back to you. But I don’t anymore. I am being selfish, I know, but I have learned so many things while I was away. Things I never would have learned while I was at home. Information, knowledge, that can save you. I know you don’t want to hear of it but there is something wrong with you and I would be the worst daughter in the world if I did nothing. I need to know more about Edmeera. I need to know what she’s promised you. I’ve always trusted you to know what’s best but she hurt Sirius. She tried to kill him. What she’s promising you can’t be worth more than my big brother. Sirius has told me things and I don’t want to believe him but I need to know what you know. Maybe I can help you. I just need you to talk to me. Write back when you can.
I love you,
Orianna
(P.S. I’ve made some friends. I hope you like them.)“
Orianna took the letter to Zaelira to prepare a Paper Bird spell.
Aydriann in the Library
Aydriann researched weapons in the ship’s small library when Jaz appeared.
Jaz warned: Edmeera would attack them when weakest. If they subdued her, Aydriann could stab her with a dark shard, killing her and forcing a choice: let her die or take her domain.
“Which saves Ember?” Aydriann demanded.
“Taking the domain,” Jaz replied.
Aydriann erupted with anger, but Jaz loomed with cosmic authority, the room trembling.
“I am the one who taps the glass,” Jaz whispered.
Then they vanished, leaving Aydriann shaken.
A Kaicrumao Morning
Dax awoke hungover. Ember dragged him to breakfast.
Dax revealed Aqol’s paintings acted as portals, one-way gateways to exact locations. Ember immediately realized the significance: Aqol could get them back to the ship.
They found Aqol in the Théâtre de l’Éther. Ember requested a new portal painting.
Aqol asked for a reference, and Dax had Fungar project an illusion of the Valiant.
With brushstrokes of glowing magic, Aqol created a perfect, living depiction. The ship moved on the canvas, crew bustling about like a living illusion.
Dax jumped through first, of course.
Ember followed, because Preslynn was on the other side.